ONE INCIDENT LEAVES A 4 YEAR-OLD BOY INJUREDPOLICE INCREASE PATROLS, ASK PUBLIC FOR ASSISTANCE
Last evening Boston Police responded to three separate shooting incidents, which resulted in 6 gunshot victims including a 4 year old child. Each incident remains an active investigation and information provided today is preliminary. At this time, all victims are expected to survive their injuries. The Boston Police Department is strongly urging anyone with information to please come forward.
In a statement Commissioner Ed Davis stated, “Last evening we experienced in increase in violent activity. The Boston Police Department is aggressively pursuing the individuals responsible for these despicable acts. Firearm violence is unacceptable in our city. When the victim is a small child, the cowardly behavior of the person responsible is all the more alarming. The Boston Police Department is dedicated to holding the perpetrators accountable for their outrageous acts.”
Boston police have increased patrols to each of these areas. The CrimeStoppers Unit has been deployed to each location to speak with residents, develop leads, reassure the community and distribute the Anonymous Text-A-Tip brochure. Officers are working closely with the Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) to monitor and suppress any potential for retaliatory activity. Boston Police are specifically targeting impact players; particularly those we believe are involved in violent activity in the Academy Homes area.
Incident Descriptions:
• 25 BRAGDON ST. JAMAICA PLAINCORRECTION: ROXBURY
At approximately 7:40pm on Monday August 19, 2008, officers responded to a radio call for a person shot at 25 Bragdon St. in Roxbury. On arrival, officers located two victims including a 4 year old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest and a 17 year old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the elbow. Both victims were rushed to Boston Medical Center. At this time, both victims’ injuries are considered non-life threatening.
Last evening a person of interest was in police custody based on a witness description of the suspect. The individual was not positively identified and subsequently released.
• 124 HARVARD ST DORCHESTER
About 9:28pm on Monday August 18, 2008, officers while on patrol in the area of Norwell St. heard what appeared to be several gunshots coming from the immediate area. Simultaneously, officers, who were on a fixed post at 622 W.Park St, were reporting over Channel 3 that they heard what appeared to be several gunshots coming from the area of Harvard St. and Standish St. Officers immediately responded to the area of Harvard St. and Greenwood St. and discovered a black male, sitting on the sidewalk at 124 Harvard St. suffering from a gunshot wound to his left shoulder. Officers called for an ambulance to respond to the scene. The victim, who was semi-responsive, stated that he was walking over the bridge on Harvard St. between Greenwood & Norwell St. when he heard several gunshots and jumped to get out of the way. The victim stated that it was then that he discovered that he had been shot, staggered and collapsed in front of 124 Harvard St. Additional officers responded and searched the immediate area and discovered multiple spent shell casings on the Harvard St. Bridge, and on Norwell St. EMS responded and rushed the victim to Boston Medical Center where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Officers set up a perimeter and secured the crime scene. The Boston Fire Department Ladder 29 responded, and with the aide of their ladder, officers searched the roof of 124 Harvard St. for a possible firearm that may have been discarded by one of the suspects. A search of the roof yielded negative results. At the same time, a 911 caller stated that the caller witnessed 3 males, one was with a dog, who were involved in the situation fleeing down Harvard St. in the direction of Waterlow St. officers reached out to the 911 caller who stated also witnessing 2 males carrying guns in there hands, trying to catch up with the other male who was walking in front of them with a dog. While officers searched the area, a subsequent 911 call came in for 2 people shot at 20 Shafter St. Officers responded to 20 Shafter and discovered 2 males suffering from gunshot wounds. The first victim, a 16 year old male, suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh. The second victim, an 18 year old male, had been grazed on his left leg. EMS responded and transported the victims to Children's Hospital. Both individuals stated that they had been shot near the Harvard St. bridge as well, and fled the scene upon hearing the gunshots. At this time, all three victims are suffering from non-life threatening injuries.
• 123 HAMILTON ST. DORCHESTER
On Monday August 18, 2008 at about 7:51pm, officers responded to the area of 123 Hamilton Street for a report of shots fired and a person shot. Upon arrival, officers assisted the victim, who was suffering from apparent multiple gunshot wounds. EMS responded to the scene, treated and transported the victim to Brigham & Woman's Hospital. At this time, the victim is listed in stable condition.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding each of these incidents. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911.
Individuals who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to contact the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Police will be steadfast in protecting the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.